EPA needs to step up and protect bees

Beekeepers are reporting unprecedented losses this year - 40 percent or more - and new studies continue to strengthen the case that pesticides are a key factor in bee die-offs.

Building on a solid body of scientific evidence, two more studies released in late March confirm that common pesticides are directly harming bees.

The insecticides in the latest study, neonicotinoids and coumaphos, are scrambling the circuits of bees' brains, leaving them unable to learn, smell or remember, all critical abilities for foraging honey bees.

Why, then, is the Environmental Protection Agency not taking swift action to protect these vital pollinators from bee-harming pesticides?

The agency says it will conclude its review of neonicotinoids in 2018.

This isn't good enough.

The science is only getting stronger, and protecting honey bees from pesticides is now more urgent than ever.

EPA needs to step up, now.

Jean Naples

West Haverstraw

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EPA needs to step up and protect bees

Beekeepers are reporting unprecedented losses this year ? 40 percent or more ? and new studies continue to strengthen the case that pesticides are a key factor in bee die-offs.